Skeins of brightly colored yarns and students repetitively hooking their crochet needles to form chains and slip stitches filled Lindsey Hoaglund's middle school math classroom for an hour after school. Their strands of yarn were quickly being turned into the start of something fabulous!
Since November, students have flocked to be part of the middle school after-school crochet club that this year has seen nearly 40 members with more than 20 showing up consistently every week.
Hoaglund admits she was a little surprised by the amount of interest. “I’m thrilled to see so many students coming here and just enjoying an hour together and working on projects.”
Some come already being “masters” of crochet, others with a basic knowledge hoping to hone their skills, and even some students with no knowledge of how to crochet at first at all - but they quickly find help and support from others.
“It’s truly open to anyone,” said Hoaglund. “It’s just a very relaxing and comfy place for students to come in here and just start crocheting.”
Making it even more comfy and cozy during these frigid winter weeks, Hoaglund offers hot chocolate to all. “I’m a crochet fan. I like to do this and I like to help students learn how to do this. It’s just a nice break after a long day of teaching and learning.”
Sage Filipiak said her friend taught her to crochet and she’s worked on mastering the craft even more by watching how-to videos. “I just like to make stuff like plushies.”
There were crochet French friends, a BLT, a miniature Snoopy, eggs, the start of a headband, a bookmark, a blanket, and many starts of projects with the ending yet to be determined.
Makinlee Belson held several squares of sunflowers in her lap. Eventually she plans to put them together to make a tote bag. “I like to make stuff. It’s very fun and I like to say I made it.”
Cassidy Robinett worked busily on a blue and white narwhale while her friend Gabby Dykhouse finished creating an egg. “It’s just fun and I like to make little things like this.”
Some students find inspiration and patterns in books or online in YouTube videos. Others just start crocheting and let the yarn help them decide what the final project will be.
“You just have to start and then you figure it out,” said Ansley Archambault.
“The best thing is you can crochet almost anytime and anywhere as long as you remember to bring your supplies. It’s just relaxing to me,” said Lorelai Missad.
Chase Schlaf admitted he’s somewhat new to crocheting. “I just think it’s calming and therapeutic.”
No matter how long students have been crocheting, one thing was obvious - the sense of pride as they share their projects. “I made this,” said Anna Boldt holding up a miniature black and white Snoopy figure. “I think he’s cute and I had fun making it.”
“I like being able to say, ‘I made this,’” said Rio Ellwood as he worked on his project.
Filipiak agreed. “It’s fulfilling to see that you made something yourself.”
Hoaglund said that’s the real goal of the club - to give students a safe place to socialize and interact after school - a place where they can be creative and proud of what they do.